"Well, Mrs. Liddell, have you persuaded your handsome sister-in-law to join our party on Thursday?" asked Ormonde.
"I have really had no time to speak much to her. An old uncle of hers, as rich as a Jew and a perfect miser, sent his lawyer for her this morning. I suppose he is going to make her his heiress. I hope they will give a share to my poor little boys. I am going to take them to ask a blessing from their aged relative, I assure you."
"Oh yes, by George! you try and hold on to him. The little fellows ought to have the biggest share, of course, as the nephew's children. Why, it would change your position altogether if your boys had ten or fifteen thou. between them."
"Or apiece," said Mrs. Liddell, carelessly. She was immensely amused by the Colonel's tone of deep interest. "You may be very sure I shall do my best. I know the value of money."
"May I ask where this Mr. Liddell resides?" asked Mr. Errington, joining them, with a bow to the young widow.
"I really do not know, though he is my uncle-in-law. Pray do you know him?"
"No; I know of him, but we are not personally acquainted."
"And is he not supposed to be very rich?"
"That I cannot say; but I have an idea that he is well off."
With another bow Errington retreated to say good-morning to his hostess.